Every Smile You Fake by Dorothy Koomson is a gripping psychological thriller that immerses readers in a world of mystery and moral dilemmas. The story follows Kez Lanyon, a profiler and therapist, who encounters a life-altering situation when she discovers a baby left in her car, accompanied by a note pleading for her to care for him. The note is unsigned, but Kez has a good idea who the mother is: Brandee, a social media influencer with a troubled background who once lived in Kez's house. The Plot Brandee has recently dropped out of the limelight, and if the internet rumours are true, her life is in danger. The narrative unfolds as Kez grapples with her responsibilities: should she honour the mother's request to protect the infant or leverage her professional connections to uncover the truth behind Brandee's vanishing act? With time running out for Brandee, Kez must decide whether to risk her whole family to find her before it is too late. Themes The Complexity of Motherhood: The novel explores the often tumultuous relationship between mothers and their children. Social Media's Impact: Koomson examines how modern fame can complicate personal lives and relationships. Moral Ambiguity: Characters are faced with difficult choices, prompting readers to question their own values. With her signature style, Koomson crafts a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, making Every Smile You Fake a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven stories. Readers who enjoy twisty psychological thrillers will find themes of suspense and emotional depth woven throughout this novel.